Islamabad, Representing the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), has voiced strong support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), highlighting its critical role in providing humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees. At an informal plenary meeting of the General Assembly, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Acting Chair of the OIC, Munir Akram, reiterated the commitment to safeguarding the rights of Palestinian refugees, including their right of return.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ambassador Akram commended UNRWA for serving as a vital lifeline for Palestinian refugees for over 75 years, particularly in the face of the ongoing conflict with Israeli forces. He underscored the importance of UNRWA’s work in delivering essential services and relief to the population in Gaza, amid the “brutal onslaught” by Israel.
The Ambassador’s statements came during a meeting convened to discuss UNRWA’s operations and challenges, where he also praised Commissioner General Lazzarini for his briefing on the agency’s activities. Ambassador Akram emphasized the urgent need for sustained financial support for UNRWA, urging donors to reassess their funding decisions and to ensure the continuity of the agency’s mission.
Furthermore, Akram called for international accountability for Israel’s human rights violations and war crimes in Gaza and the West Bank, advocating for immediate action to address these issues. He demanded an immediate ceasefire in the region and the provision of emergency humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, facilitated by UNRWA’s efforts.
Pakistan’s stance, as articulated by Ambassador Akram, reflects the broader sentiment within the OIC regarding the Palestinian issue and underscores the critical need for continued support for UNRWA and the Palestinian refugees it serves.